BCCI bans senior sports journalist, Boria Majumdar, for sending intimidating messages to the wicketkeeper, Wriddhiman Saha. He is imposed with a ban of 2 years after considering the submissions from both sides.
Indian wicketkeeper, Wriddhiman Saha, tweeted, along with the screenshot of the messages he received in February. Later, he refused to reveal the name of the journalist.
After all of my contributions to Indian cricket..this is what I face from a so called “Respected” journalist! This is where the journalism has gone. pic.twitter.com/woVyq1sOZX
— Wriddhiman Saha (@Wriddhipops) February 19, 2022
“My nature isn’t much that I will harm anyone to the extent of ending someone’s career. So on grounds of humanity looking at his/her family, I am not exposing the name for the time being. But if any such repetition happens, I will not hold back.” he said
Subsequently, he revealed the name in front of the committee formed by BCCI to discuss the allegations.
Panel formed to check the validity
The Indian Cricket Board formed a 3 member committee to check the validity of the allegations. The committee includes Vice President Rajeev Shukla, treasurer Arun Dhumal, and Councilor Prabhtej Singh Bhatia.
After hearing from both sides, the committee concluded that the actions of Mr. Majumdar were indeed intimidating and threatening. So, the BCCI Apex council accepted the suggestion of the committee.
Interim CEO of BCCI Hemang Amin, released an internal letter. Accordingly, the following penalties have been inflicted upon the journalist
A 2-year ban on getting any accreditation as a member of the press in any of the cricket matches (domestic and international) in India.
In addition to this, ban on getting any interview with any registered players in India. Moreover, ban on access to any of the BCCI and members association-owned cricket facilities. All the state units to cooperate with the decision.
Earlier, on March 5th, Majumdar tweeted, “There are always two sides to a story. Wriddhiman Saha has doctored, tampered screenshots of my Whatsapp chats which have damaged my reputation and credibility”. However, he hasn’t reacted to the ban yet.
There are always two sides to a story. @Wriddhipops has doctored, tampered screenshots of my WhatsApp chats which have damaged my reputation and credibility. I have requested the @BCCI for a fair hearing. My lawyers are serving @Wriddhipops a defamation notice. Let truth prevail. pic.twitter.com/XBsiFVpskl
— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) March 5, 2022
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